Liverpool could be on the verge of major Bradley Barcola breakthrough after latest update | OneFootball

PSG Close In on Maghnes Akliouche as Liverpool Focus Turns to Bradley Barcola

Paris Saint-Germain are advancing towards the signing of Maghnes Akliouche, with multiple reports indicating an agreement has been reached on a deal worth €50m, which equates to £42.7m. The France international has been on the radar of several leading clubs this summer, including Liverpool, but the move now appears to be heading firmly in PSG’s direction.

Liverpool had explored the possibility of pursuing Akliouche earlier in the window, as part of wider work being carried out on attacking reinforcements. That interest was genuine, yet the Merseyside club have since placed greater emphasis on other options, with Bradley Barcola now understood to be a leading target in that area.

Akliouche Deal Nears Completion

The latest developments suggest PSG were always confident of completing the transfer, despite links elsewhere. The package of £42.7m is likely to be viewed in Paris as smart business for a player of Akliouche’s profile, age and potential. It also represents a significant point of reference in the wider market for wide forwards.

For Liverpool, there may be some frustration externally over the fact a player of Akliouche’s quality looks set to move for a relatively modest fee. Internally, however, the situation is more nuanced. The club’s planning around the winger department has centred on maintaining a specific group size, and that has influenced where resources are directed.

Bradley Barcola Valuation in Focus

Akliouche’s impending move has inevitably sharpened attention on PSG’s stance over Barcola. While one deal is being struck at £42.7m, PSG are pushing for £145m for Barcola, a valuation that has raised eyebrows across the market.

That gap is difficult to ignore. Even allowing for Barcola’s pedigree and upside, the contrast is stark. Liverpool, now operating under new head coach Andoni Iraola, are expected to be disciplined in negotiations and fully aware of the broader context surrounding winger prices.

Photo: IMAGO

There is no indication at this stage that PSG will lower their demands dramatically. Equally, Akliouche moving for £42.7m offers rival clubs a fresh benchmark when discussing what represents fair market value for elite attacking talent.

Liverpool Transfer Strategy Becoming Clearer

The sense from within Liverpool’s summer planning is that the club are prepared to be patient. Missing out on Yan Diomande earlier in the window altered parts of the equation, yet the focus has since crystallised around priority targets rather than volume.

That helps explain why Akliouche was not pushed to the point of completion, even if his talent is widely admired. Liverpool’s recruitment team appear to have made a strategic call, prioritising fit and long-term squad balance over the opportunity to move quickly at a lower fee.

If PSG complete the signing as expected, attention will shift quickly to whether their position on Bradley Barcola softens. For now, Akliouche to Paris looks close, and Liverpool’s next move in the winger market remains one of the more important threads to follow before the window shuts.

Further reporting around the developing PSG and Maghnes Akliouche transfer continues to point in the same direction.